[Characters in Minhwa: From Tradition to Future Content] Part 2: Across Mythical Worlds – Positioning Korean Minhwa in a Global Folk Tradition

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[Characters in Minhwa: From Tradition to Future Content] Part 2: Across Mythical Worlds – Positioning Korean Minhwa in a Global Folk Tradition 

The Potential of Korean Minhwa: A Cultural DNA Shared Across Borders

Subtitle: Uncovering the Cultural and Imaginative DNA Hidden in Japanese Yokai, Chinese Divine Beasts, and European Fairies

1. Universality of Imagination, Originality of Culture

Throughout history, humans have infused their worldviews, daily lives, and creative imagination into stories and images. In all corners of the world, folk paintings and folklore reveal unique characters intrinsic to each culture. These characters are more than artistic depictions—they embody the hopes, fears, and wit of the people, forming a visual language with deep symbolic resonance.

In Part 1, we explored the diverse realm of characters within Korean minhwa. Now in Part 2, we widen our lens to examine folk characters from Japan, China, and Europe. Through this comparative analysis, we highlight both the universal appeal and unique strengths of Korean minhwa characters—showing their potential as a powerful source of inspiration in the global content industry.

The Diverse Characters of Folk Paintings Around the World


2. Japanese Folk Art and Yokai – Creatures of the In-Between

In Japanese folklore and folk painting, yokai are significant supernatural beings that exist between the boundaries of nature and humanity, reality and the unseen. Sometimes mischievous, sometimes helpful, their diverse forms and stories have become an endless source of creativity in Japan’s cultural industries.

Representative Yokai:

  • Kappa (河童): A water spirit known for its curiosity and love of cucumbers. Often seen as both humorous and potentially dangerous.

  • Tengu (天狗): Mountain-dwelling beings with long noses and wings. Guardians of the forest, but also tricksters.

  • Oni (鬼): Demonic figures similar to Korea’s dokkaebi, often depicted with horns and colored skin. Traditionally malevolent, but also revered in some rituals.

  • Yūrei & Onryō (幽霊・怨霊): Ghosts driven by unfulfilled emotions—central figures in Japanese horror culture.

In Modern Culture: Japan has mastered the art of reimagining yokai in manga, animation, and games. From GeGeGe no Kitaro by Mizuki Shigeru to Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli, and even elements in Pokémon, yokai inspire globally recognized franchises. Korean dokkaebi possess a similarly rich and adaptable character that, when paired with original storytelling, can be just as captivating.

3. Chinese Folk Art and Mythical Beasts – Symbols of Power and Grandeur

Chinese folk art and ancient paintings often depict divine beasts (神獸) symbolizing authority, longevity, and good fortune. These creatures often serve both imperial and civilian symbolism and are frequently portrayed on a grand scale.

Key Beasts and Symbolism:

  • Dragon (龍): The most sacred mythical creature representing imperial power and natural balance.

  • Phoenix (鳳凰): Symbol of harmony and femininity; often paired with the dragon.

  • Qilin (麒麟): A chimera symbolizing virtue and peace, believed to herald the birth of great sages.

  • Haetae (獬豸): A justice-bringing creature able to distinguish truth from falsehood.

In Modern Culture: These characters are widely used in Chinese fantasy games, films, and animations. From Kung Fu Panda to MMORPGs, mythical beasts represent awe and nobility. While Korean versions of dragons or phoenixes have similar origins, they are often portrayed in a more humorous, modest, or emotionally nuanced way—offering a unique Korean reinterpretation suitable for distinctively styled content.

4. European Folk Tales and Fairies – Narrative Depth and Fantasy

European folklore features an extensive range of magical beings: Fairies, Elves, Dragons, Trolls, and Goblins. These characters often serve as bridges between humans and the supernatural and are central to deep narrative traditions.

Typical Creatures:

  • Fairies & Elves: Mysterious beings from forests, offering help or mischief.

  • Dragons: Both fearsome adversaries and wise protectors in epic tales.

  • Trolls & Goblins: Generally mischievous or villainous, often linked to darkness and danger.

In Modern Culture: European folk characters have shaped global pop culture through franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. These figures enjoy massive fan bases and are constantly reimagined across media formats. Korean minhwa characters—infused with humor, warmth, and visual charm—could engage similar markets by blending Korean aesthetics with universal fantasy structures.

5. Global Competitiveness and Growth Strategy for Korean Minhwa Characters

Compared to Japan’s diverse yokai, China’s majestic divine beasts, and Europe’s narrative-heavy fairies, Korean minhwa characters stand out for their humor, folksy charm, and aspirational symbolism. These traits offer global market advantages:

Distinctive Qualities:

  • Humorous and Humble: Unlike beings of authority or grandeur, minhwa characters often satirize power, show clumsy humanity, and embody everyday joys.

  • Strong Symbolism and Visual Appeal: With figures like tigers, magpies, and dokkaebi, their visual identity is clear and their meanings—luck, longevity, protection—are universally relatable.

Content Development Potential: By leveraging digital tools such as VR/AR, webtoons, animation, and gaming, Korea can develop its own fantasy universes rooted in minhwa. Dokkaebi as playful companions, tiger-magpie duos as satirical heroes, or Sipjangsaeng (Ten Symbols of Longevity) as meditative themes—all can form a uniquely Korean media ecosystem. These offer pathways for K-Culture to expand further and deeply resonate with international audiences.

6. From Local Tradition to Global Inspiration

As this cross-cultural comparison reveals, Korean minhwa characters possess both uniqueness and universal appeal. Far from being outdated relics, they are living sources of creativity, capable of engaging today’s media and storytelling platforms.

In an era of active cultural exchange, these characters can interact with and enhance other traditions—birthing new stories and expanding the boundaries of imagination. When reinterpreted through a modern lens, Korean minhwa characters can become not only treasured national heritage but also influential global phenomena.

There was a time when Koreans asked: “Why don’t we have fantasy characters like those in the West or Japan?” The answer wasn’t a lack of content—it was a lack of recognition. By shedding the mindset of cultural inferiority and rediscovering the deep value within our own tradition, we now stand at the cusp of a new cultural wave.

References (Compact Format)

  1. National Folk Museum of Korea – Exhibition archives and minhwa artifacts
  2. Korean Minhwa Society – Academic research and scholarly analysis
  3. Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea – Official folk art and intangible heritage resources
  4. Wikipedia & Naver Encyclopedia – Overview of global folklore and folk characters
  5. “Yokai Encyclopedia” by Shigeru Mizuki – Guide to Japanese yokai
  6. “Myths and Legends of China” by Edward T. Williams – Source on Chinese mythical beasts
by pre2w

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